On Writing

I don’t think I’ve ever read a writing guide quite like this one. I’ve certainly never been able to quote the entire first chapter of a book in a review. But here is Rudlin’s first chapter on how to write a book in its entirety:

Just write it.

Which, to be fair, is the best advice anyone can give. And to be even fairer, the rest of the book gives useful tips and does flesh out an approach that is refreshingly write-a-novel-by-the-seat-of-your-pants rather than write-a-novel-by-cookie-cutter-formula. And the whole book can be read in an hour or so. It’s short, informal and to the point.

I have only two criticisms. First, that he states all writers use Microsoft Word (they don’t, in my experience, once they figure out how to use Scrivener) and secondly, there’s little here to help the non-fiction writer.

But…

If you are a first time, wannabe novelist and want to get started rather than bogged down in minutia, then this is the book is for you.

ABOUT

Patrick Sherriff survived 13 years working for newspapers in the US, UK and Japan. Between writing and illustrating textbooks for non-native speakers of English he releases Hana Walker mystery novels, short stories, essays and just now, an adult colouring book. He lives in Japan with his wife and two daughters.